Ovation Guitars Catalog 2009

Outside The Box

During its 40 years as a guitar manufacturer, Ovation has proven

again and again that outstanding instruments can be created by
having the courage to combine tradition and experience with new
ideas and the latest state-of-the-art technology.

Since their introduction, guitarists worldwide have embraced the

instruments produced by Ovation’s guitar factory in New Hartford,
Connecticut.

Why? Their innovative round back design and the unique mix of
modern composites and carefully selected woods are without rival.
The combination of innovative design and use of modern materials
does not mean that the production is sterile and automated. On
the contrary, Ovation’s trained workers, with hundreds of years of
combined experience, build Ovation guitars largely by hand, with
a passion for each instrument. The use of ultra-modern technology
supports the manufacturing process, but old world craftsmanship is
at the heart of Ovation.

As a result, more than one million guitarists worldwide have chosen Inspiration comes at any time.
Ovation guitars to help them achieve their “signature sound.”
Capture it every time.
USA Series Side
Features. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 5
Adamas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 7 The first and only guitar with built-in MP3 recording - see page 26-27 for details.
Custom Legend. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 - 9
Custom Elite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 11
Legend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 - 13
Elite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 - 15
Standard Balladeer. . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 - 17
Standard Elite. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 - 19
Elite T . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 - 21
Specialties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 - 23
VXT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 - 25
iDea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 - 27

Celebrity Series Side Record. Playback. Create. Learn.

SE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 - 29
CC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 - 31
Specialties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 - 33
2

Contour Bowl
The semi-parabolic shaped bowl is the trademark of
every Ovation.

The bowl is made of Lyrachord, a mix of composite

materials, and its manufacturing process is based
on the same original recipe developed by company
founder Charles Kaman back in the Sixties. With the
new LX Series, Ovation has succeeded in refining and
improving the original composition.

The addition of glass “microspheres” reduces the

weight of the new Lyrachord GSTM bowl by up to 30%
- but maintains the bowl’s superior stability. Thanks to
the lighter structure of the material, the bowl vibrates
more and therefore produces a much louder, more
dynamic sound with a perfect response.
 3

Advanced Neck System

The Advanced Neck System sets a new standard for function and stability.

The ingenious 2-way neck adjustment rod provides accurate adjustability combined with
reliable stability over the complete length of the fingerboard. Thanks to the low mass of
this unique truss rod, very little wood needs to be removed from the neck, resulting in
better transmission of vibration and greater structural integrity.

Two extremely rigid graphite inlays are used to stabilize the fingerboard at the point
where neck and body are connected. The newly designed neck/body joint, combined
with a well thought out bolt-on system, substantially increases the stability and
effectively improves the vibration between body and neck. The result is better sustain
and outstanding response.

The new Advanced Neck System is a significant advancement for Ovation, and gives the
player more neck adjustment flexibility as well as great playing comfort.
4

Scalloped X-Bracing
The shape and design of a guitar top‘s bracing not only Using incredibly sophisticated laser-based aerospace
provides necessary stability, but has an extremely important measurement machines, Ovation engineers plotted the
share in the overall sound of an instrument – some might say movement of the guitar tops using different bracing patterns.
that it is the heart of the guitar. Through detailed analysis, they developed new bracing that
achieved their goals. The result? Stable tops that produce a
When developing its new scalloped X-brace pattern, Ovation rich, powerful sound that cuts through but is responsive at
engineers had two objectives in mind: first, to adapt perfectly the same time.
the new bracing pattern to the extended response qualities
of the new Lyrachord GSTM bowl; second, to brace the top The new scalloped X-bracing can be found on all Ovation LX
in such a way that it vibrates as freely as possible without any Series models.
loss of stability.

OP Preamps
Ovation’s development of outstanding
preamplifiers and pickups has always
been a source of pride and passion.
Ovation pioneered the use of pickups
in acoustic guitars, and now, more than
35 years later, we are still known as leaders in acoustic-
electric guitar technology.
Using the highest quality components, Ovation ”OP”
preamps offer both a “natural” acoustic sound and
extremely good signal-to-noise ratio. A user-friendly
design combined with effective sound contouring make
the OP Preamps the ideal partner for guitarists.
The OP-PRO and OP-PRO Studio are sophisticated
electronics packages but are easy to use. They were
designed after extensive research & development that
was done in conjunction with some of Ovation’s premier
endorsers, and sound great in a wide variety of playing
situations, from quick fingerpicking to heavy strumming.
The latest preamp design from Ovation engineers is
the VIP-5. This preamp is a combination of OP preamp
features and a “Virtual Image Processor”, a state-of-the-
art signal processor. Five realistic high-end microphone
images recorded with the finest studio equipment can
be added to the regular Ovation piezo pickup sound,
making a blend that is strikingly “acoustic.”
5
Pickups
But what would a high-quality
preamp be without a first-class
pickup?
Ovation is known for its great
pickups. After all, Ovation was
the first company to use a pickup in an acoustic guitar. The
OCP-1 pickup is the next step in development, and is based
on the original Ovation pickup of the 1970’s, which is still
held up as an example of what an acoustic guitar pickups
should be. It has proven to be an ideal complement to the
OP-PRO preamp: the combination of both components
produces an acoustic-electric sound that is warm & smooth,
as well as responsive.
6

1680-NWT Melissa Etheridge

 7

Ever play a grand piano with the lid lifted? A similar sonic “openness” is how players describe their
first Adamas experience. It´s been said that the heart of an acoustic guitar is the top – it pumps out the
sound. A stiff top will give you sparkling highs, a thin top will give you powerful lows. The problem with
traditional wood tops is that you usually get one or the other, but rarely both. By using thin layers of
carbon fiber combined with wood, Adamas can give you both – in every climate and with just about any
string gauge. Many players remark that an Adamas has the balance and complexity of a fine vintage
guitar. Ovation believes that Adamas is louder, with better dynamics and a wider frequency response than
any other acoustic guitar you have ever played.

W597-CB 2080-NWT 1598-MEII

• Carbon fiber/wood laminated top
• 5-pc. high gloss finish Mahogany/Maple/Ebony neck
• Ebony fingerboard & bridge
• High quality tuning machines
• Hand shaped low-profile neck
• VIP-5 or OP-PRO preamp
• OCP-1 pickup

Cross section of Carbon fiber top

For more information, visit www.adamasguitars.com and visit any

authorized Ovation dealer to order your customized Adamas today!
8

2079LX-CCB 2059LX-4

1769ADII-5

Al Dimeola
 9

Custom Legend
Highest-quality materials and outstanding sound: Custom Legend
1769ADII-5
represents the top-of-the-line models within the LX Series. The tops
of these instruments are marked by their unrivalled flexibility and are
among the best on the market today.
No fewer than 300 individual pieces of the finest Abalone have been
hand-inlaid by experienced workers and serve as a perfect example of
the skilled craftsmanship of the Ovation luthiers.

• Hand-selected AAA grade solid Sitka Spruce top

• 5-pc. high gloss finish Mahogany/Maple neck
• Ebony fingerboard & bridge
• Hand-inlaid Abalone top purfling
• Hand-inlaid rosette
• Gold tuners w/pearloid buttons
• OP-PRO Studio w/XLR & 1/4“ output jacks
• OCP-1 pickup
10

Custom Elite
A guitar top is a finely tuned vibrating membrane. Ovation’s Custom
Elite models have a thinner, more responsive solid spruce top that
delivers maximum acoustic energy and exceptional balance up and
down the fingerboard.
And speaking of sound, plug one in and you’ll find that it’s acoustic
“beefiness” is matched by the tonal control of the OP Pro Studio
preamp with its unique harmonic enhancement circuitry. • Hand-selected AAA grade solid Sitka Spruce top
More sound. Less work. Set after set. Night after night. • 5-pc. high gloss finish Mahogany/Maple neck
• Ebony fingerboard & bridge
• Hand-inlaid Abalone top purfling
• Hand-inlaid epaulets
• Gold tuners w/pearloid buttons
• OP-PRO Studio w/XLR & 1/4“ output jacks
• OCP-1 pickup

C2078LX-RTD
 11

C2078LX-5 C2078LX-BCB
12

2077LX-4 2077LX-5
 13

Legend
Ovation’s Legend is a standard in the Ovation range, and
has been part of the brand’s rich history for many years.
The LX versions of these instruments are truly remarkable
in their responsiveness and extended dynamic range. Their
outstanding playability and rich acoustic-electric sound
make these instruments a first choice for almost any style
of music and playing situation.

2077LX-TPB

• Hand-selected AA grade solid Sitka Spruce top

• 5-pc. high gloss finish Mahogany/Maple neck
• Ebony fingerboard & bridge
• Hand-inlaid rosette
• Gold tuners & buttons
• OP-PRO Studio preamp
• OCP-1 pickup
14

2078LX-BCB

Lacuna Coil
Marco Coti Zelati,
Cristiano “Pizza” Migliore
 15

Elite
Incorporating the finest materials and state-of-the-art
technology, Elite models are lighter, louder, richer and fuller
- all the things you want your guitar to be. The smooth, hard
composite Lyrachord GS body improves projection and
reflects top vibrations better than traditional material and
today is stronger and lighter than ever before.
The Elite’s hand-selected tops are voiced with a scalloped
bracing pattern that evenly supports the top to provide
ultimate acoustic energy with amazing harmonic overtones.

• Hand-selected AA grade solid Sitka Spruce top

• 5-pc. high gloss finish Mahogany/Maple neck
• Ebony fingerboard & bridge
• Hand-inlaid epaulets
• Gold tuners & buttons
• OP-PRO Studio preamp
• OCP-1 pickup

2078LX-5 2078LX-4
16

Standard Balladeer
Those guitarists looking for an elegant yet fairly priced instrument will find
what they are looking for in the Standard Balladeer range. These guitars open
the door to the world of the big Ovation sound without sacrificing any of the
essential, unique features.
With carefully chosen solid Spruce tops, inlaid rosettes, die-cast chrome tuning
machines, and satin finish neck, the Standard Balladeer sets a new standard for
Ovation at the mid-price level.

1861AX-5 2771AX-CCB

• Solid Sitka Spruce top

• 5-pc. satin finish Mahogany/Maple neck
• Rosewood fingerboard & bridge
• Hand-inlaid rosette
• Chrome tuners
• OP-PRO preamp
• OCP-1 pickup
 17

2771AX-CCB
18

Standard Elite
Updated luxury with fabulous tone at a journeyman’s • Solid Sitka Spruce top
• 5-pc. satin finish Mahogany/Maple neck
price. The Standard Elite’s wide-open, full-bodied sound • Rosewood fingerboard & bridge
• Hand-inlaid epaulets
and professional features make it one of the most popular
• Chrome tuners
acoustic-electrics in the world. • OP-PRO preamp
• OCP-1 pickup
A vintage soft-V neck allows for effortless runs up and down
the fingerboard while the OP Pro preamp and High Output
pickup amplify all the tonal subtleties that resonate through
these stellar instruments. All of which makes the Standard Elite
the ideal guitar for live and studio applications.

2778AX-4 2778AX-5 2778AX-NEB

 19

2778AX-NEB
20

MT37-5

Elite T
These are the “hot rods” of the Ovation range – maximum performance, fast playing and
unique styling. Ovation’s famous lightweight/high strength bracing under the solid Spruce top
gives the soundboard tremendous acoustic power. The pickup is specifically designed to turn
1868TX-5
the Ovation acoustic thunder into electric lightning.

• Solid Sitka Spruce top • Black chrome tuners

• Single Epaulet design • OP-PRO preamp
• 3-pc. Maple neck • OCP-1 pickup
• Rosewood fingerboard
 21

2078TX-5

Mick Thomson
Slipknot
22

Specialties
The “Specialty” Series is a showcase for Ovation’s product development
team and further demonstrates the company’s dedication to offering a
wide variety of stringed instruments that help musicians experiment and
be creative. This collection of long-scale, short-scale, high-pitched, low-
pitched, wide-necked and solid body hybrid instruments goes where few

Want to build your next Ovation large guitar companies have gone before. Great instruments that stretch

any way you‘d like it? the limits of tradition mark the Ovation Specialty Series.

Visit any authorized Ovation dealer

to order your customized Ovation
guitar today.

2774LX-4 2073LX-4

MM68-CCB
 23

Shadows Fall
Matt Bachand
Jon Donais

NSB778-GFT
24
The Ovation VXT: At last, an instrument that will satisfy both electric and
acoustic guitarists. Pan from sweet acoustic finger style to hard driving
power chords with just a turn of the knob. Or, discover a near infinite
range of exciting new sounds by combining electric and acoustic in various
amounts.
The VXT employs Ovation’s VIP “Virtual Microphone Imaging” preamp
technology offering access to a natural, studio-quality acoustic sound.
Combined with some of the best quality electric pickups available, the VXT
is bound to create a hybrid breed of its own.

VXTD-BSF

• VIP “Virtual Microphone Imaging” acoustic preamp

• Set-Neck construction
• Chambered body
• Solid Spruce or Figured Maple tops
• Seymour Duncan ’59 Humbuckers or SP90 (VXTS) pickups
 25

VXT-SB VXT-5 VXTS-TS

J.T.
Hawthorne Heights
26

Got an iDea?
Record
• Record from guitar pickup and built-in microphone – record guitar alone or guitar and vocal simultaneously

• Automatically converts to MP3 format any audio source recorded through the Aux-In jack

• Download MP3 tracks from a computer

• Store over 100 minutes of audio

Playback
• Play tracks through headphones or amp

• Play along with JamTracks – a selection of tracks is preloaded – download more from OvationiDea.com

• Change playback tempo without changing pitch

Create
• Instantly record song ideas, licks, hooks, rhythms – never again lose a musical idea
CC54i-PL
• Built-in mic records voice as well as guitar -- great scratch recorder for melody and lyric as well as chord

changes
• Use Aux input to record backing tracks for solo performance

• Upload songs to recording software to edit and expand

Learn
• Pre-installed audio lessons – download more at OvationiDea.com

• Record solos from any audio source, then slow them down and learn note-for-note
 27

Multi-Function Preamp for Live Performance

USB Connect LCD display includes Volume & 3-Band EQ

Headphone Jack

Built-in
Condenser Mic
Play/Stop
Start or stop recording Repeat
or playback. Hold down Repeat or Control Joystick
to turn unit on and off. loop a track. Navigate through menus
Record and select functions.
Puts iDea in “Record/Pause” mode. Press
Play/Stop to start recording.

iDea Preamp Package

Ovation’s iDea Preamp Package (OPi-1) is compatible with any Ovation guitar equipped with an OP
Series preamp (models OP-10, OP-11, OP-20, OP-30, OP-40, OP-50, OP-Pro, OP-Pro/Studio, VIP-5).

The OPi-1 Preamp Package includes an OPi-1 preamp (preloaded with 3 lessons/ backtracks),
ear buds, mounting hardware, auxiliary input jack with connection cable, USB cable, installation
instructions, Quick Start Guide and a FREE 7-Day trial membership to WorkshopLive.com.
28

The OVATION Celebrity Series

The Celebrity Series takes the original Ovation

roundback concept to a lower price level, making

Celebrity SE
Ovation affordable for almost everyone, with few
compromises.

The Ovation sound. Bright, distinctive, and made to be amplified.

Celebrity guitars are manufactured in Asia under
The leading acoustic/electric guitar is now within everyone’s reach.
strict quality control standards and at the same
These guitars have a strong voice with plenty of punch to help your
high level of craftsmanship as their USA-made
sound cut through the mix. For a beautifully balanced tone and a
brothers. Many of the components are the same, or
gorgeous finish, there’s no better selection.
are similar to, those used on much more expensive
USA-made models, so you can be assured of great CSE44-HB

performance despite the lower price.

Check out Ovation Celebrity Series guitars for

yourself before making any purchase decision, and
see why so many guitarists around the world have
also chosen Ovation.

Celebrity Series Side

SE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 - 29
CC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 - 31
Specialties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32 - 33
 29

CSE24-RR

CSE44-4 CSE24-5

• Solid Sitka Spruce top

• 2-pc. Nato neck
• Rosewood fingerboard & bridge
• Abalone rosette (center soundhole)
• Abalone fingerboard position markers
• Gold tuners
• OP-30 preamp
• OCP-1K pickup
30

Celebrity CC
Everything you need to get started on your way to the big stage.
Celebrity CC Models offer professional Ovation features at a price
point that’s affordable to almost anyone.

Atreyu
Dan Jacobs
Travis Miguel

CC245-RR
 31

• Choice of laminated or solid Spruce top

• 3-pc. Nato neck
• Rosewood fingerboard
• Gold tuners
• OP-4BT preamp
• Slimline pickup
CC44-8T CC24-5 CC24-4
32

MCS148-RRB

Sixx AM
Nikki Sixx
DJ Ashba
 33

Celebrity Specialties
If you’re bending the fretted world’s rules to the limit,
you need an instrument like the Celebrity Specialties:
Mandolin, Doubleneck & bass are individual instruments
for individual players.

CSE225-8TY

CC2474
 Photography: Martin Kreutter · Design: Udo Krause · Concept & Realisation: Thorsten Dörr
Ovation Guitars· PO Box 507 · Bloomfield, CT 06002-0507 · USA
Part Number KCG-690 11/08 · 1K · J3565
www.ovationguitars.com, www.adamasguitars.com, www.ovationidea.com,
www.thevxt.com, www.myspace.com/ovationguitars and www.myspace.com/thevxt

The following are trademarks of Ovation Guitars: Adamas, Balladeer, Celebrity, Custom Legend, Custom Elite, Elite, Elite T, Legend, Ovation iDea, Standard Elite and VXT.
©2008 Ovation Guitars. All rights reserved. No part of this catalog may be reproduced in any form, in whole or in part, without prior written consent of Ovatio Guitars.
Not responsible for typographic errors. Ovation Guitars reserves the right to alter products pictured in this catalog for the sake of improvement.